Join us in thanking Bethany Elder Jim Guida who led yesterday’s worship service, and to Tom Uhrhammer for serving as liturgist. Musicians were Manh Ong on guitar, Sherry McHurd Hanson and Cathy Sapunor on piano. Lighting the third Advent candle—the candle of joy—were members of the Bertsch-Guida family.
This coming Sunday (Dec, 29)—the last Sunday in 2024—we will experience something fun and different: an old-fashioned hymn sing. Come prepared with titles of songs you’d like the congregation to sing and we’ll try to make everyone’s wishes come true!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE • TUESDAY, DEC. 24 • 5 P.M.
Join us for a service of familiar Christmas carols and the Christmas story as we welcome the Christ child into our midst again. This family friendly service, led by Jim Guida, starts 5 p.m. in the sanctuary followed by bell-ringing on the church steps, then refreshments and a sing-along led by Peter Baird in the Social Hall. Details.
Do you drive at night? Many of our Bethany family do not and they will miss out on the Christmas Eve service unless they have transportation. You can help! Contact the church office if you are willing to pick up and take home someone needing a ride. The service starts at 5 p.m. and ends around 6. Christmas caroling and refreshments in the Social Hall follow, ending around 6:45 p.m. To sign up, please e-mail Susan Just in the office or leave a message at (916) 428-5281. ALSO: If you know of someone needing a ride please contact the office ... or offer to take them!
After the Christmas Eve service, we’ll be gathering outside the church to ring bells. This activity was started at Bethany in 2021 in tandem with the Worldwide Christmas Eve Jingle, a project initiated in England in 2000 to combat loneliness and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A donation from the Powell-Strack family, in honor of Gail Powell, made possible the purchase of bells that first year. Last year, we were among thousands from across the world who who participated ... imagine: people from all faith backgrounds in hundreds of locations, all ringing bells the same night!
More details are here.
If you would like to take a few bells to give out to neighbors, please contact Kathryn Boyd. Each bell will have a tag urging people to ring the bell to remind those around them that they are not alone. Many thanks to those who remained after Sunday’s service to attach special cards to the bells … and especially to Kathryn Boyd, Nga Chau, Manh Ong and Jackie Sneed for visiting neighbors around Bethany yesterday. Bells were gladly accepted by our neighbors!
This year we will have a special emphasis on "ringing in" friendship, peace and justice.
UPDATES …
Many thanks to those who helped at Saturday’s “Reaching Out Resource Fair” benefiting those in our community who are unhoused. Susan Just, our congregation’s representative to this project, said the turnout was very good and the volunteers were much appreciated. Be watching for more opportunities to lend a hand!
Everyone wishing to use space at Bethany must request building use through the Bethany office. Contact Office Manager Susan Just, who is working with groups on scheduling and helping avoid conflicts re: space usage. You can also leave a message at (916) 428-5281; your call will be returned as soon as possible. We thank Susan for taking on this task in addition to her other responsibilities as volunteer office manager.
This is traditionally the time of year we are encouraged to think about our giving to the church. Debbie Leibrock recently announced the start of our annual stewardship campaign. If you did not receive your invitation to pledge to the 2025 work of Bethany, please call the church office.
Tuesday, Dec. 24—Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m., followed by a carol sing in the Social Hall. Details here.
Monday, Dec. 30—the last Food Closet volunteer morning this year.
Monday, Jan. 6—morning of crafts & inspiration (and discussion about the life of Jesus) presented by the Monday Group. 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. Details he
Thursday, Jan. 9—Presbyterian Women “Fruit of the Spirit” Bible study, 10 a.m. in the church library. Details here.
TBA—annual “Winter Wander” Nature Walk at Cosumnes River Preserve; watch for details.
PLEASE PRAY FOR members and friends of our extended Bethany family, as well as those of our community, who are experiencing health and financial challenges, loss, loneliness, anxiety and depression. We pray for guidance as we continue to focus on plans for Bethany's future. Please pray for the leaders of all nations, that they may choose peaceful resolutions to conflict.
